Acts 20:36-38

Summary retelling of Acts 20:36-38

After Paul had given this fairly hard message, he prayed with them all.  There was a sorrowful parting filled with many tears.  The sorrow was because of the way caution that they might not see him again.  They walked with him to the ship and sent him on his way. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul’s words led to prayer.  Prayer is an often forgotten tool, but it just might be the most powerful tool we have in our arsenal.  In prayer we find connection to God and connection to others.  In prayer we find the strength to accept the difficult.  In prayer we find an ability to turn to God and incline our ear to His will and desire.  Prayer is a powerful tool for changing who we are and aligning ourselves with God.

How do you use prayer?  Is prayer a time for you to let God know what you would like for Him to do?  Or is prayer a time where you listen to God and prepare yourself to do what He would like for you to do?

Second Thought:

Paul’s departure brings about some tears.  It should.  Paul has just told them that they will not likely ever see him again.  However, notice that they do not try and stop Paul from leaving.  Paul needs to go; the people know that they need to let him follow God’s leading.  But that doesn’t make it very easy.

Why is it tough to lose someone in your life to whom you are connected?  Can anything make it easier to let Paul go?

Third Thought:

The Ephesian elders walk Paul to the boat and say goodbye.  They journey with him, but they don’t stand in his way.  They walk what road they can walk with him and then they part company.  They know that God has called Paul on to Jerusalem (and likely onto Rome).  They also know that God has called them to do ministry in Ephesus.  God has two callings – two mission fields – and both are mutually exclusive to one another.  So the Ephesian elders stay with Paul as long as they can and then turn about to do the work that God has given for them to do once Paul leaves.  Life is about turning to God and doing His will.

In what way can we see a great spiritual example in the Ephesian elders?  How can their story help you understand the Christian life a little better?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 21:1-6